And while the Lions already go to great lengths to ensure that the families of those players from interstate are made to feel part of their son’s journey at the Club, the Lion Hunters Coterie are doing their own part for the cause in Victoria.
The Lion Hunters Coterie, established in 1963, maintain that same enthusiasm and passion displayed by Fitzroy supporters of old, and remain committed to providing the Club with valuable support from Victoria.
The Lion Hunters share the Club’s strong sense of ‘family’, and for a number of years have been running a unique ‘Parents of Players Program’ designed to keep the interstate players’ families involved.
The Lion Hunters invite at least a couple sets of player parents to join them in their luxuriously fitted out corporate suites at each Lions game played at Etihad Stadium and the MCG, in a bid to bring them closer together.
In 2014, they hosted a total of 35 family members, including eight Rockliffs in Round 21 to witness the Vice-Captain’s memorable 100-game milestone against Collingwood at the MCG.
They also hosted the parents of first-year players Daniel McStay, Darcy Gardiner, Tom Cutler, Lewy Taylor, and even James Aish at stages throughout the season.
Simon Taylor, the father of recent Rising Star winner Lewy, said it was an added bonus for families to maintain a strong connection with the Club in Victoria.
“The guys in Brisbane do a terrific job in making us all feel part of the Club, but it’s nice to have something like this for us parents in Victoria as well,” Taylor told lions.com.au.
“Through the Lion Hunters we’ve been able to keep an even stronger connection. I love it, can’t fault it.”
The Lion Hunter Committee – comprised of President John Dall’Amico, Secretary Chris Orton, and Treasurer Lou Soligo – have worked tirelessly in helping build that connection with the players’ families.
“The parents of players who have been drafted to the Club are just as big a part of the journey as their sons, so we think it’s important to help facilitate greater involvement,” Dall’Amico said.
“Not only do the parents get to hang out with a bunch of pretty passionate Lions people at these events, but they also build stronger relationships with each other.
“They all have something in common given that their sons have moved away from home, and seem to enjoy sharing stories on how they, and their kids, have coped with the move.
“We’ve had terrific feedback from parents who have attended our events, and found that many of them strike up long-lasting relationships with each other outside of football.”
Lion Hunter President John Dall'Amico (right) speaks with Trevor McStay (father of Daniel)
Chris Orton interviews some of the players' parents at the Lion Hunters' 2014 Season Launch in Melbourne
Josh Green's family enjoy the Lion Hunters' corporate facilities during the Club's Round 19 match against Melbourne
